Padlock question (hunting-related; for locking up tree stands,etc.)

FirstFreedom · July 20, 2006, 05:19 PM

I *think* that this is sufficiently gun-related, but maybe not....

Here's the deal. In stores, you can buy padlocks in singles, or packs of 4, all keyed the same. The singles tell you which key they use (keycode), so you can buy several others with the same key code (IF they are in stock). BUT, the 4-packs don't have the key code, which I find very stupid and irritating. Because I want 16-20 ALL keyed the same. I want to buy 4-5 four-packs with the same key code, for locking up stuff at both hunting land(s) and around the house (gate, tool shed, etc.). But I cannot since they don't put down the key code on the package, and even if they did, they wouldn't necessarily have 4 other 4-packs in stock with the same code (likely not even 1 other with the same key in stock at any given moment).

So, has anyone ever confronted this problem? What's the best way to get 15-20 pretty decent padlocks all keyed the same? Where/how to order such online? Thanks.

jhgreasemonkey · July 20, 2006, 05:26 PM

It might be kind of spendy but a local locksmith can set you up. Even the little stands. We deal with those in the auto business and they have padlocks also.

Scorch · July 20, 2006, 08:23 PM

You can order locks keyed alike in sets. If you want, you can order 1,000 of them all keyed alike. Generally they are sold in sets of 10 or 12, but all you have to do is talk with someone who can order the locks. Go to a safety supply vendor if you cannot get your local ACE or Good Value or Home Depot hardware man to order them.

dfaugh · July 23, 2006, 10:39 AM

Get thee to a locksmith. They will usually have large groups of locks, all keyed alike, for just such a request. If not they can key up some (and use 1/2 steps and such, so no "standard" key will fit them.) Also, they can advise best ones for outdoor use. Even so, I've found you need to lubricate them from time to time, or they get "sticky". Around here, in the winter they'll literally freeze, but I've had good luck just keeping the hosed down periodically w/ WD-40--repels moisture, and keep them lubed.

Crosshair · July 24, 2006, 10:23 PM

A propane torch will unfreeze locks quickly

/Ask me how I know.

guntotin_fool · July 25, 2006, 12:24 AM

call around, look in the phone book for locksmiths, commercial, ask them

if not call "7 corners hardware" in St Paul MN AFTER you find what kind of locks you like, ask them for a price, you will like it. 651 224 4859 for several years they were the biggest mail order tool shop on the planet. they will treat you right. I have ordered lots of 40 with all the same key for jobsites,

piercfh · July 28, 2006, 08:24 PM

Why dont you just buy combination locks? No key to lose, and you can set them all the same. Pluss most store bought locks can be picked with not much skill.

444 · July 28, 2006, 11:18 PM

Picking a lock takes a lot of skill.
I have a set of picks and play around with it from time to time. Given enough time, I can pick most basic padlocks but it usually takes awhile. I have seen locksmiths pick locks and they didn't look any better than me.

On the other hand, a set of bolt cutters will pick most padlocks in a second.

I realize this doesn't add a thing to the thread and for that I apologize. But, pretty much every thead on these boards where some type of security is being discussed, the discussion eventually turns to how easy it would be to defeat. This is all very true, and to me only shows that there is no reason to go overboard: no matter what you do, it can be beaten. So, you make a reasonable effort at security and then hope for the best.

July 20, 2006, 05:19 PM	#1
FirstFreedom Junior member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: The Toll Road State, U.S.A. Posts: 12,451	Padlock question (hunting-related; for locking up tree stands,etc.) I think that this is sufficiently gun-related, but maybe not.... Here's the deal. In stores, you can buy padlocks in singles, or packs of 4, all keyed the same. The singles tell you which key they use (keycode), so you can buy several others with the same key code (IF they are in stock). BUT, the 4-packs don't have the key code, which I find very stupid and irritating. Because I want 16-20 ALL keyed the same. I want to buy 4-5 four-packs with the same key code, for locking up stuff at both hunting land(s) and around the house (gate, tool shed, etc.). But I cannot since they don't put down the key code on the package, and even if they did, they wouldn't necessarily have 4 other 4-packs in stock with the same code (likely not even 1 other with the same key in stock at any given moment). So, has anyone ever confronted this problem? What's the best way to get 15-20 pretty decent padlocks all keyed the same? Where/how to order such online? Thanks.

July 20, 2006, 08:23 PM	#3
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	You can order locks keyed alike in sets. If you want, you can order 1,000 of them all keyed alike. Generally they are sold in sets of 10 or 12, but all you have to do is talk with someone who can order the locks. Go to a safety supply vendor if you cannot get your local ACE or Good Value or Home Depot hardware man to order them. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

July 23, 2006, 10:39 AM	#4
dfaugh Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2002 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,715	Get thee to a locksmith. They will usually have large groups of locks, all keyed alike, for just such a request. If not they can key up some (and use 1/2 steps and such, so no "standard" key will fit them.) Also, they can advise best ones for outdoor use. Even so, I've found you need to lubricate them from time to time, or they get "sticky". Around here, in the winter they'll literally freeze, but I've had good luck just keeping the hosed down periodically w/ WD-40--repels moisture, and keep them lubed. __________________ "If you Listen to Fools, the Mob Rules" "No one has the answer, but one thing is true. You'e got to turn on evil, when its coming after you. You've gotta face it down,and when it tries to hide, you've got to go in after it, and never be denied. Time is running out...Let's roll. Let's roll for freedom, let's roll for love. We're going after satan, on the wings of a dove. Let's roll for freedom, let's roll for truth. Let's not let our children grow up fearful in their youth."

July 24, 2006, 10:23 PM	#5
Crosshair Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2004 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 5,333	A propane torch will unfreeze locks quickly /Ask me how I know. __________________ I don't carry a gun to go looking for trouble, I carry a gun in case trouble finds me.

July 28, 2006, 11:18 PM	#8
444 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,968	Picking a lock takes a lot of skill. I have a set of picks and play around with it from time to time. Given enough time, I can pick most basic padlocks but it usually takes awhile. I have seen locksmiths pick locks and they didn't look any better than me. On the other hand, a set of bolt cutters will pick most padlocks in a second. I realize this doesn't add a thing to the thread and for that I apologize. But, pretty much every thead on these boards where some type of security is being discussed, the discussion eventually turns to how easy it would be to defeat. This is all very true, and to me only shows that there is no reason to go overboard: no matter what you do, it can be beaten. So, you make a reasonable effort at security and then hope for the best. __________________ You know the rest. In the books you have read How the British Regulars fired and fled, How the farmers gave them ball for ball, From behind each fence and farmyard wall, Chasing the redcoats down the lane, Then crossing the fields to emerge again Under the trees at the turn of the road, And only pausing to fire and load.

July 20, 2006, 05:26 PM	#2
jhgreasemonkey Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2006 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 2,238	It might be kind of spendy but a local locksmith can set you up. Even the little stands. We deal with those in the auto business and they have padlocks also.

July 25, 2006, 12:24 AM	#6
guntotin_fool Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2004 Posts: 1,446	call around, look in the phone book for locksmiths, commercial, ask them if not call "7 corners hardware" in St Paul MN AFTER you find what kind of locks you like, ask them for a price, you will like it. 651 224 4859 for several years they were the biggest mail order tool shop on the planet. they will treat you right. I have ordered lots of 40 with all the same key for jobsites,

July 28, 2006, 08:24 PM	#7
piercfh Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2006 Location: Central Alabama Posts: 183	Why dont you just buy combination locks? No key to lose, and you can set them all the same. Pluss most store bought locks can be picked with not much skill.